ADHD Diagnosing

It can be tempting to avoid getting a diagnosis for yourself or your child. A professional evaluation will aid in determining the extent of the symptoms and pinpoint the root of the problem.

Your doctor will use standardized ADHD ratings scales to review your history. They'll also talk to you and those in your life -- such as your spouse or family members -- for personal insight that self-tests or checklists don't provide.

Signs and symptoms

If you suspect your child might have ADHD, get an appointment with your health medical professional. They may refer you to a specialist, like a psychiatrist or pediatrician, to conduct more extensive testing or evaluation. Bring school records to the appointment, because the provider will want to determine how your child compares with his peers who are the same age. The provider will use standardized ratings scales to determine the severity of symptoms and the long they've been present.

A thorough examination will review your child's medical history as well as mental health history within the family, and also their development. The doctor will also speak to you and the other key adults in your child's life, including coaches or teachers. Discuss any issues you've noticed in your child's behavior, like difficulty with homework or inability to complete assignments at home or school.

Children and teens often have short attention spans, and it's normal for them to lose focus when playing games or engaging in activities. However if your child appears to be prone to forgetting things or is unable to follow instructions or makes careless mistakes with their homework, chores or schoolwork, it could be an indication of ADHD.

Hyperactivity is also an indication of ADHD. It's not uncommon for children to be distracted and move around a lot in class or when playing with their friends. If they're at home, they might play or run around in places when it's not appropriate or have difficulty sitting for a long period of time. They might interrupt conversations or blurt out answers.

Inattentional ADHD can be misinterpreted as daydreaming among adults who don't show any signs of hyperactivity. Adults with this form of the disorder often don't meet symptom criteria for either the hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD, so providers assign an unspecified diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of ADHD can affect the daily functioning of a person whether at home, school or at work. They can also cause issues with socialization and relationships. Many people who experience these symptoms aren't aware that they are suffering from a diagnosisable disorder, which is why they may not seek help. Screening for ADHD can help identify the condition and let a doctor suggest treatments.

Screening for ADHD is a medical test and a thorough interview with the patient as well as several other tests and questionnaires. The screening is conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist, psychotherapist, neurologist, or a doctor who has been trained to recognize ADHD. Talk to your GP if you suspect that your child may have ADHD. They can refer your child for a specialist evaluation.

The healthcare provider will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as any previous treatment. They will then perform a physical examination, conduct hearing and vision screenings and determine if there are any medical conditions that may be the cause of the patient's symptoms. They will utilize a combination of ADHD checklist of symptoms, standardized behavioral rating scores, and a thorough interview. The patient will also be asked about their previous symptoms and how they impact their life at home, at school, and at work. The patient will be asked to provide information from close relatives and friends.

A doctor can diagnose ADHD in children if they see at least six signs of inattentiveness, and/or at least five symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity described in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. These symptoms should be present for at least six months. They should be evident in at least two different settings such as at school, home or workplace, and show significant impairment. The symptoms should not be caused by physical or mental illnesses.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood is more difficult as the majority of ADHD diagnostic tools that are used in children and adolescents don't apply to adults. Some doctors will interview the patient or an immediate family member or friend. Others use computerized continuous performance testing designed for adults with ADHD.

undiagnosed adhd in adults


If a person suffering from ADHD is not treated, their symptoms can affect work, family or school, as well as social relationships. Treatments reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity and improve functioning. There are many different medications available, and sometimes it takes many attempts to find one that works for a specific person. Psychotherapy and behavior modification are essential components of treatment.

A physician who is trained to recognize ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. They could refer the patient dependent on the results to a different health professional, like a psychiatrist or psychologist. The doctor will go over the patient's medical and mental history, and then apply standardized rating scales to assess ADHD symptoms. The doctor may also inquire about those who are close to the patientfor example, a teacher, parent or sibling in the case of adults; or a spouse or sibling for children -- to fill out an interview form with questions about ADHD symptoms and impact.

Different types of medications are available to treat ADHD. The doctor will discuss the best medication with the patient. For some, the most effective medication is stimulants, which work by increasing activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. The most frequently prescribed medication is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets as well as modified-release, once-daily formulations.

Many children who suffer from ADHD also have other health issues that need to be treated and evaluated, including depression, anxiety or mood disorders. It is essential for parents and children to talk about these other issues with their doctor. Ideally, the person with ADHD will be seen by specialists for all of these conditions at the same time, to ensure that they're working together to improve functioning.

When you are beginning a medication, it is important to seek out an expert in the field who has experience in treating ADHD. Consult a doctor whose work is covered by your insurance company to suggest a specialist or call the National Resource Center on ADHD for a list of qualified professionals. You can also call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to obtain the names of professionals in your area.

Treatment options

If a doctor suspects someone of having ADHD the doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms in great detail. The evaluator will also review the individual's medical background, family history and psychiatric history. During the interview, he'll be looking for signs that are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). A physical exam is recommended to rule out some medical reasons for the symptoms, like seizure disorders or thyroid problems.

It is important for the evaluator to collect information from those who know the person well, such as teachers and family members. The evaluator may use questionnaires that inquire about the behavior of the person and how it impacts their work and home life. The evaluator may also request a copy of a person's performance reviews, or other evidence. If the person has a spouse or close friends they could be interviewed by the evaluator. them too.

The evaluator should also understand how the ADHD symptoms of the person affect their daily functioning in terms of relationships, school, and work. The evaluator may suggest some behavioral therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or marital or family therapy. Therapy for behavioral issues can help the person develop practical skills to manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. A therapist could, for example, teach the patient how to organize their possessions and schedule routine activities to improve their time management.

The examiner may suggest various neuropsychological or psychological assessments to get a better picture of the abilities of a person. These tests might include cognitive testing, such as IQ or academic achievement tests, as well as brain wave measurements using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG).

The evaluator will decide if the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD and whether they fall under the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or combined type of ADHD. In most cases, the evaluator will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms. The treatment plan could include psychotherapy, or other changes to lifestyle such as changing how the person performs tasks, or using accommodations. The National Resource Center on ADHD offers additional information on treatment options for adults.